Winter Health and Safety

With temperatures getting dangerously low this winter, staying safe and healthy is very important. Staying indoors does not necessarily guarantee safety. Prepare your home and cars for power outages or emergencies with these tips.  Remember to also stay safe while participating in outdoor activities.

Prepare your home:

One of the most important things to do is to check your heating systems. Although many of us live in apartments and complexes maintained by a land lord, we should take initiative for our safety.

      ·          Check your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector for working batteries. This detector

                will alert you when the deadly, odorless, colorless gas is present.

         o   Symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea and disorientation.

·         Check or ask when the last time your heating system was checked. You want to make sure it is clean, working properly, and ventilating to the outside.

·         Check your smoke detector. Batteries should be tested monthly.

·         Have a safe alternate heating source and fuels available.

Be prepared to check on family and neighbors that may be at risk from cold weather hazards. Examples are young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. Bring your pets indoors if you can’t ensure they have a warm outdoor shelter and drinking water that won’t freeze. Although pets grow a winter coat, it may not be sufficient during severe weather conditions to keep them warm.

Prepare your car:

Make sure you have the right tools in case of an emergency; whether you are traveling far or just a short distance from home, being prepared can make a world of a difference.

      ·         Service your car regularly. Make sure you check your radiator, maintain antifreeze
              levels, check tire tread and replace tires if needed with all-weather/snow tires.
      ·         Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the fuel lines and tank.
      ·         Use the wintertime windshield washer formula.
      ·         Organize a winter emergency kit to keep in your trunk at all times in case you
               become stranded. Include:

         o   Blankets
         o   Food and Water
         o   Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter
                             (for traction)
         o   Compass and maps
         o   Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries
         o   First-aid kit
         o   Plastic bags (for sanitation)

If you are planning on traveling by car, be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions throughout your trip.

•   Avoid traveling during weather advisories.
•   Inform friends and family of the route you are planning to take and your expected time of arrival.
•  If you become stranded:

        o   Stay in your car unless safety is less than 100yards away
                           (the length of a swimming pool) but continue to move your arms and legs.

o   Put a bright cloth on your antenna to stay visible to other travelers.

§  You can also turn on the overhead light (when the engine is running) and raise the hood of the car once the snow has stopped falling.

o   Run the engine and heat for just 10minutes at a time every hour.

o   Open a downwind window slightly open.

o   Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.

 

Power Outages and Weather-related emergencies

Just because you are indoors doesn’t guarantee you are safe. Prepare for long stretches of power outages by doing the following:

·        Stock up on food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated.

·        Store water in clean containers.

·        Keep your emergency kit up to date with:

o   Battery operated devices (flashlight, weather radio, and lamps)

o   Extra batteries

o   First-aid kit and extra medicine

o   Baby items

o   Cat litter or sand for icy sidewalks.

Outdoor Activities:

Spending some time outdoors during the winter months is refreshing and fun. If you are spending time doing work, traveling, or participating in sports outdoors, prepare for possible exposure to safety hazards.

      ·         Wear layers of light, warm clothing (mittens, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots)

·         Sprinkle cat litter or sand on ice patches.

·         Be aware of the wind chill factor.

·         Work slowly when doing outdoor chores.

·         Take a buddy and an emergency kit when joining in outdoor recreation.

Carry a cell phone

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/index.html